Pour le Roi Ben

If you're not Ben, you don't have to bother reading this. But you might find it interesting. It's an analysis someone did of common mythic elements in legends (fx, Beowulf, Star Wars, Alice in Wonderland, etc.), specifically with examples from Star Wars. I also added a short list at the end. Enjoy. If you like this kind of thing.

call to adventure - Destiny's herald is usually something ordinary - R2
hand of fate - something that works to involve the hero in the adventure - jawa

traders
threshold guardians - block the way to adventure - Tusken Raiders
wise and helpful guide - provides advice, amulets to further the quest, - Ben
[wise and helpful guide might enter story at point of hero
encountering threshold

guardians]
the threshold - hero must leave familiarity and begin journey
(symbolic of journey

from childhood to adulthood - the hero here begins to acquire
knowledge/skills) -

leave Tatooine for Alderan
into the labyrinth - difficult journey into the unknown - death star
hero deeds - rescue princess, challenge to mortal combat, initial rite
of passage,

hero puts off old identity and accepts new role (succeeding in hero
deeds represent

the start of the next stage - further initiation nd trials) - joining the rebels
the dark road of trials - trials, tests, ordeals bring moments of
illumination and

understanding - includes monsters and barriers
into the belly of the beast - represents entrance into mystical world where

transformations occur, eventual escape representing spiritual rebirth (Vader is

revealed as a slave to the Emperor at the point where Han and Leia
open their hearts

to love - double rebirth/change)
the sacred grove - an enclosure where the hero is changed (infused w/ creative

energy) also symbolises the unconscious mind where secrets are discovered or

memories/emotions have to be faced- Dagobah
the path of atonement - hero may find a father figure and becomes "at
one" with him -

reconciles
the hero's return - hero must return with means to benefit his society/ solve a

problem at home, all characters undergo changes (possibly symbolic)
(atonement may

arise from the theme of betrayal)
the shadow rises - evil also undergoes change/rebirth, recoups power,
grows with new

strength (leads to new confrontation) - forces of good must regroup
the enchanted forest - inhabitants can be dangerous and/or helpful -
the hero must

know magic to evoke their protective powers
the final victory - not always accomplished by physical force or
cunning - hope that

those who have given themselves to the forces of darkness can be redeemed
journey's end -


Departure
---------
Call to adventure
refusal of the call
supernatural aide
crossing the first threshold
belly of the whale (or beast/giant animal)

Initiation
----------
road of trials
meeting with the goddess
temptation away from the true path
atonement with the father
apotheosis (becoming god-like)
the ultimate boon

Return
------
refusal of the return
magic flight
rescue from without
crossing the return threshold
master of the two worlds
freedom to live

common mythic elements
----------------------
two worlds (mundane/special)
mentor
oracle
prophecy
failed hero
wearing enemy's skin
shapeshifter
animal familiar
chasing a lone animal into the enchanted wood (animal gets away)

Okay, bye.